Telecrawler for precast panel lifts

Euless, Texas-based Derr and Isbell Construction, with a long history of lifting structural steel and precast for projects across the USA, was awarded the contract for the 44,036 sqm (474,000 sqft) development.

The company rented the Link-Belt telecrawler from HOLT Equipment in order to place the precast panels on the bottom ten stories of the new building. The tallest and heaviest precast concrete sections weighed as much as 17.5t (38,600lbs) and the majority of the panels were 6.1m (20ft) high and 4.5m wide. The topmost panels were placed 30.4m from ground level and conceal outside terrace decks.

The precast panels were trailered onto the jobsite in a tilted position. The TCC-1400 used its stowable 3.04m fly for two winch line picks, each with three parts line to rotate the panels for placement. Two series of rolling blocks rigged with sufficient chokers lifted the panels off the trucks and then an additional two series of rolling blocks with four-pick points attached to the top side to rotate the panels upright.

The final panels of the project were placed on the south side of the building on Clover Street, an alley only 7m wide. With its 5m turning radius, the TCC-1400 was able to place the final few panels weighing up to 11.3t at a height of 24.4m.
“We chose the TCC-1400 in large part because it is so easy to manoeuvre around these city blocks. Whether it’s with pick and carry, or the tighter street requirements presented here in downtown Dallas, it’s an easy crane for this sort of work,” said Derr & Isbell Superintendent, Randy Denn.